Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test For Liver Damage

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test For Liver Damage

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) test is a blood test that assesses liver health by measuring the levels of an enzyme produced by the liver. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver damage or disease.

 

ALT Test

Here are the basic details of the ALT Test.

Also Known As SGPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase) Test
Type Blood Test
Purpose Assess Liver Function
Sample Type Blood
Preparation No
Fasting No
Gender Unisex
Age Group All
Normal Value 10-49 U/L
Reporting Time Few Hours
Cost (INR) 100-200 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

ALT Test Means

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) test is a blood test that assesses the health of the liver.

  • It measures the levels of an enzyme produced by the liver, ALT, which can indicate liver damage or disease.
  • The ALT test is useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.
  • Early detection of liver problems through the ALT test can lead to timely medical intervention and treatment.
  • Regular ALT testing helps individuals and healthcare providers monitor liver health and make informed decisions about lifestyle changes or medical interventions to protect this vital organ.

 

ALT Test Purpose

The purpose of the ALT Test is to:

  • Assess liver health.
  • Detect liver problems.
  • Liver function evaluation.
  • Liver damage diagnosis.
  • Monitor liver conditions.

ALT Test  Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

 

ALT Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the ALT Test.

 

Before Test

  • No special preparation is usually required.
  • Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you're taking.
  • Wear clothing with easy arm access, as blood is typically drawn from the arm.

 

During Test

  • You will be asked to remain still.
  • A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from your arm using a needle.

 

After Test

  • You can resume your normal activities immediately.
  • You might experience mild bruising or discomfort at the needle site, which should go away shortly.
  • Await your test results, which will be communicated to you by your healthcare provider.

 

ALT Test Procedure

Here is the basic ALT Test Procedure.

  • Blood sample collected from a vein.
  • Needle inserted, and blood is drawn.
  • Sample sent to the lab.
  • ALT levels measured in the sample.
  • Results reported to healthcare provider.

 

ALT Test Result

  • High ALT: May indicate liver issues or disease.
  • Low ALT: Often considered within the normal range.
  • Consult a doctor for result interpretation.

 

ALT Test Report

ALT Test Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Lab Report

ALT Test Report PDF

 

ALT Test Normal Report

ALT Sgpt Normal Test Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

ALT Normal Test Report PDF Format

ALT Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

ALT Test Abnormal Report

ALT Sgpt Abnormal Test Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

ALT Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

ALT Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

ALT Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the ALT Test.

ALT Level Normal Range
Adult 10-49 U/L

 

ALT Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the ALT Test.

ALT Test Result Interpretation
Normal Typically healthy liver
Elevated Possible liver damage
Very High Indicates liver injury

Elevated ALT levels can suggest liver problems, but a healthcare provider will assess the specific context and recommend further evaluation or treatment if necessary.

 

ALT Test High Levels

Here are some possible causes of high ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) levels:

Possible Causes Effect
Liver Damage or Disease Indicates potential liver problems, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Medications or Supplements Some drugs and supplements can elevate ALT levels.
Alcohol Abuse Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and elevated ALT.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Common in individuals with obesity or metabolic syndrome.
Viral Infections Such as hepatitis A, B, or C.

Elevated ALT levels often signify liver-related issues and require further evaluation by a healthcare provider for diagnosis and appropriate management.

 

ALT Test Low Levels

Low ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) levels are generally not a common concern and may not have significant clinical implications. However, here are some possible causes:

Possible Causes Effect
Normal Variation ALT levels naturally vary among individuals.
Malnutrition Severe malnutrition or undernutrition can lead to low ALT levels.
Certain Medications Some medications can reduce ALT activity.
Rare Genetic Conditions Very rare genetic conditions may result in low ALT levels.
Advanced Cirrhosis In very advanced cirrhosis, ALT levels may decrease.

Low ALT levels are not typically a primary focus of medical diagnosis, but any unusual results should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions or medication interactions.

 

Specimen Requirements For ALT Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the ALT Test.

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 ml

Container

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube.

Collection

Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Storage

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Sample Stability

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

7 days

Refrigerated

14 days

Causes for Rejection

Gross hemolysis; excessive lipemia; improper labeling.

 

ALT Test is Safe?

ALT test is safe and routine.

  • It involves a standard blood draw.
  • Minimal risk of complications or side effects.

 

When Do You Get ALT Test Results? 

  • ALT test results are usually available within a few hours.
  • The specific reporting time can vary depending on the laboratory and testing facility.

 

ALT Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of ALT Test.

  • Elevated ALT levels indicate liver damage but not the specific cause.
  • ALT levels can be influenced by factors other than liver disease.
  • Additional tests are often needed to pinpoint the underlying liver condition.

 

ALT Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the ALT Test.

  • Risk factors for elevated ALT include liver diseases like hepatitis.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption can raise ALT levels.
  • Certain medications or supplements may affect ALT levels.

 

Doctor Recommendations After ALT Test Result

 Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the ALT Test.

ALT Result Doctor to Visit Reason
High Hepatologist Possible liver issues or diseases.
Normal General Practitioner Routine health assessment.
Low General Practitioner Routine health assessment.

Please note that a General Practitioner is typically the first point of contact for routine health assessments, and they may refer you to a specialist if needed based on your specific health condition and context.

 

ALT Test Price

Here are the estimated ALT Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City

Price Range (INR)*

Mumbai

100-200

New Delhi

150-200

Bangalore

100-200

Hyderabad

150-200

Kolkata

100-200

Pune

150-200

Lucknow

100-200

Noida

150-200

Surat

150-200

Gurugram

100-200

Patna

150-200

Chennai

100-200

Jaipur

150-200

Ahmedabad

100-200

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

 

Summary

Overall, ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) test is a vital tool for assessing liver health and detecting potential liver damage or disease through the measurement of ALT enzyme levels in the blood. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

  • Alanine transaminase - Wikipedia [1].
  • Alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test - UCSF Health [2].
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ALT Test FAQ

What does it mean if your ALT is high?

Elevated ALT (Alanine Transaminase) levels in the blood indicate potential liver damage or inflammation. ALT is an enzyme released when liver cells are damaged, providing insight into liver health.

What is normal ALT range?

The normal ALT range is typically 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L). However, the specific range may vary among different laboratories. Elevated levels may suggest liver issues.

Is high ALT good or bad?

High ALT is generally considered bad as it suggests potential liver damage or disease. It indicates a need for further investigation to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management.

Is ALT of 40 high?

An ALT level of 40 U/L falls within the normal range. However, the normal range can vary, and it's essential to consider individual factors. Consultation with a healthcare provider for interpretation is advised.

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